So, about that demo mission
[b]Matt[/b] (aka [b]Fatmarrow[/b]) is still very much in the trenches in order to get all the systems required for the [b]demo mission[/b] up and running. Last month, most of the work went into the user interface, as showcased in the [url=https://youtu.be/tUBBcb_2sJ0]Operations Map[/url]. This month, Matt's attention shifted to the actual mission objectives, as he built up systems for scouting locations, searching for intel, and planting explosive charges. Let's take a look at his work so far: [previewyoutube=-nOeovzsRYg;full][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube=JVcm_wx41vE;full][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube=R2AkZFYKtZM;full][/previewyoutube] Although the mechanics and visuals in the videos are all subject to change — and your feedback is most welcome, especially once public testing begins — this work represents an important step in implementing more complex objectives and mechanics into GROUND BRANCH.AI, but friendly
Last month, we also mentioned that we were hoping to support [b]AI teammates[/b] for the V1035 demo mission, which would bring our single player experience a lot closer to what it was always meant to be. This month, we're excited to confirm that V1035 [i]will[/i] indeed feature a first pass on AI teammates! As with the demo mission objectives, the exact mechanics and interface are all subject to change, but Chris has an initial implementation in place which you can see here: [previewyoutube=3mOpaJWatmE;full][/previewyoutube] In addition to basic commands for "Move and Clear", "Fall In", "Hold" and "Take Cover" (all shown in the video), your AI teammates are able to use two modes of combat: "active" and "passive". In [b]active mode[/b] (which we're likely to label "Assault") they will fire upon contact, whereas in [b]passive mode[/b] (to be labeled "Recon") they will hold fire until either they're fired upon, or the player fires a shot — in which case they will currently be allowed to open fire for 4 seconds, and then hold fire again. [quote]???? AI teammates will be limited to 3 operators in V1035 for a 4-man team total, but the final maximum team size is likely to be between 6 and 8 operators.[/quote] It's all very much a work in progress and still rough around the edges, but also nice to finally see it start to take shape.Bringing the Power Station remake forward
We mentioned in [url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/16900/announcements/detail/4277943470885274985]Intel Report #021 (August)[/url] that [b]Will[/b] was working on a big overhaul of the old [b]Power Station[/b] map, to be released in V1036. That is no longer the case, as we're happy to report that the new and improved Power Station is actually coming earlier than that — in V1035. This overhaul is arguably even more extensive than the latest [b]Depot[/b] upgrade, as the map's size has been expanded (especially in the open surrounding areas) and new buildings and routes were added, though the overall layout should still be recognizable to players familiar with the original map. Let's take a look:
And without spoiling too much, that's another map overhaul we can cross off the list, ladies and gentlemen. Hats off to Will!
[quote]???? Alongside [b]Ranch[/b] (also previewed in our August report) that's essentially two new maps in V1035.[/quote]
